Loofah is the fruit of an evergreen plant that belongs to the same family as pumpkin and bottle gourd. According to a blog entry by Agro Products, loofah is technically a fruit, but is often consumed as a vegetable and is harvested before it reaches its maturity. The plant is believed to have originated from Arabic deserts, and is now widely cultivated throughout Asia and the U.S. Loofah is also known as sponge gourd, bath sponge, dish cloth gourd, and scrubber gourd.

Medicinal uses for loofah

Loofah is notably high in vitamin A, which makes it a powerhouse vegetable against eye conditions including macular degeneration. Incorporating loofah to daily diet may prove beneficial in maintaining eye health.

The vegetable is also packed with vitamin B5, an essential nutrient that promotes the heart’s overall health. The vitamin is known to reduce levels of both bad cholesterol and triglycerides. This, in turn, lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The vegetable’s blood-purifying properties also help eliminate unwanted toxins from the body.

Loofah helps stave off diabetes too. The vegetable is an excellent source of manganese that facilitates the production of enzymes associated with gluconeogenesis. Previous studies have shown that manganese supplementation may boost insulin secretion, improve mitochondrial function, and reduce lipid peroxidation. Likewise, loofah is incredibly abundant in magnesium that facilitates glucose metabolism. The vegetable is remarkably effective in preventing type-2 diabetes onset.

People suffering from anemia may also greatly benefit from eating loofah. The vegetable is loaded with vitamin B6, which bolsters hemoglobin production in the blood. This is also important in ensuring oxygen delivery across the body. Loofah’s beneficial effects on blood circulation extends to the brain. The high vitamin B6 content in loofah ensures that enough oxygen gets transported to the brain. This mitigates the risk of poor memory, reduced productivity, and mood swings.

Arthritis is no match for loofah’s high copper content, an online article noted. The essential mineral found in loofah possess strong anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate pain and stiffness caused by arthritis. Aside from this, the ample potassium supply in loofah promotes healthy fluid balance in the body. This helps relax the muscles and keep muscle cramps, spasms and pain in check.

The vegetable is also found to contain high levels of vitamin C that helps address dry skin, wrinkles and premature aging. Likewise, loofah is shown to speed up wound healing. It is also used as a remedy to jaundice, migraine, and indigestion.

Body systems supported by loofah

The high vitamin A levels in loofah are particularly helpful in maintaining eye health. Likewise, the vegetable is valued for its cardiovascular benefits. Loofah is also essential in maintaining a healthy brain and promoting the body’s blood circulation and digestive profile. The bones and joints, muscles, and the skin are also among the organs that greatly benefit from loofah.

Ways to use loofah

Loofah is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of traditional meat and seafood recipes. It is also a staple in soups and stir fries in many other Asian nations. An entry posted on Food.NDTV.com features various interesting loofah recipes curated across the web.